Denon AVR-X1600H vs Pioneer VSX-LX504

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Along with the growing popularity of custom home theater builds, the comparison of Denon AVR-X1600H and Pioneer VSX-LX504 takes place. According to the results of our review, Denon AVR-X1600H received 7.6 points out of 10 possible, and Pioneer VSX-LX504 was rated 8.8 points. Both AV receivers were introduced in 2019. Based on the data on the characteristics and features of both models, we can conclude that VSX-LX504 has better performance than AVR-X1600H.

Main advantages Denon AVR-X1600H over Pioneer VSX-LX504

Main advantages Pioneer VSX-LX504 over Denon AVR-X1600H

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 7 and 9, respectively, on a 10-point scale.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. The Denon AVR-X1600H supports 7.2-channels sound, but Pioneer VSX-LX504 supports a 9.2-channels configuration.

RMS stands for the actual power of the receiver. The higher this value, the louder the sound can be produced. The differences between the models in terms of RMS power are significant - for the VSX-LX504 this value is 120/8 W/Ohm, and for the AVR-X1600H it is 80/8 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the AVR-X1600H 10 out of 10, and the VSX-LX504 - 9.

Most receivers now come with a microphone included. It is with the help of this microphone that the auto-calibration system functions, which adjusts the sound of the receiver to the room.

Speaker A/B switching allows you to change between the main and sub speaker set. Denon AVR-X1600H can work with the main and additional set of speakers - and switch between them.

Connectivity

The connectivity of competitors in our comparison is equal and was rated 8 out of 10.

Bluetooth connection is now one of the main communication protocols for the receiver's control or even music broadcasting.

Streaming services

Now music streaming services are gaining more and more popularity. They allow users to listen to millions of songs by subscription.

Extensive connections

The presence of many connectors makes the receiver more versatile. But there are also narrowly targeted models, the number of connectors which are limited to a certain area of use. And when choosing their own receiver, users need to consider exactly your goals for using the receiver. For extensive connection, both receivers got 8 points on our 10-point scale.

Denon AVR-X1600H is equipped with 6/1 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Pioneer VSX-LX504 has 7/2 HDMI inputs and outputs.

HDMI eARC is the next step in the development of audio return channel technology, which works in conjunction with HDMI 2.1. Using eARC provides the highest sound quality for home audio systems. HDMI eARC is available only on Denon AVR-X1600H.

The HDCP encryption protocol is now mandatory for most media devices. This security technology encrypts digital signals from one product to another. HDCP content-encryption protocol is present on Denon AVR-X1600H in the HDCP 2.3 version, and Pioneer VSX-LX504 has the HDCP 2.2 version.

Video features

The AV receiver is the heart of the home theater. And in this case, support for all current video formats ensures the best user experience, so it is very important to consider this when choosing a device. Video features of the AVR-X1600H were rated 6 out of 10 against the 10 for the VSX-LX504.

Most of the AV receivers have a video scaling function, it is the process of reformatting the video signal to a higher resolution without losing the quality of the image. Upscaling the video signal resolution is possible with Pioneer VSX-LX504.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the AVR-X1600H got 10 points, but the VSX-LX504 has 9.

Only the Denon AVR-X1600H has the ECO mode.

Multi-room

As the center of a home media system, each multichannel receiver has an additional set of terminals for connecting the second set of speakers to create additional audio space in Zone 2 or even Zone 3 where audio can have the separate source.

Multichannel surround

Denon AVR-X1600H got 7 points for the multichannel surround sound and Pioneer VSX-LX504 got 8.

IMAX Enhanced is a licensing and certification program under which home theater devices deliver crisp 4K HDR pictures and powerful sound as it was designed by the IMAX engineers. The VSX-LX504 licensed by IMAX.